Swapping in a 3.5L
02-20-2006, 08:53 AM
#1
Swapping in a 3.5L
Just incase some of you guys don't visit the FI forum, i spun a rod bearing in my motor last week while dynoing and now have to replace the motor. Today I am starting a 3.5L swap while keeping the supercharger. Figure i would post this in here to give some of you 5th gen guys some heads up incase you need to replace your 3.0 so you can do the 3.5 swap. Hopefully it will be done by the end of the week.
The setup will be as follows:
3.5L w/ SC (2.87 pulley, cai, 3"charge pipe)
ARP rod bolts
JWT 3.0L cams(if my buddy comes through )
Hothsot headers
Greddy Emanage w/ injector & timming harness
3" exhaust cuttout
J&S (next couple of weeks)
Cooling mist water/ alcohol injection
The setup will be as follows:
3.5L w/ SC (2.87 pulley, cai, 3"charge pipe)
ARP rod bolts
JWT 3.0L cams(if my buddy comes through )
Hothsot headers
Greddy Emanage w/ injector & timming harness
3" exhaust cuttout
J&S (next couple of weeks)
Cooling mist water/ alcohol injection
02-20-2006, 09:56 AM
#3
Can't wait to read more about it 
Considering the mods in your sig, I take it you have an automagic... Is it a beefed up 2K tranny? Asking so just to keep in mind I ever decide to go the same route...
Considering the mods in your sig, I take it you have an automagic... Is it a beefed up 2K tranny? Asking so just to keep in mind I ever decide to go the same route...
02-20-2006, 01:56 PM
#11
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posts: 5,432
holy crap, that sucks about your old engine, but it's a good thing that you'll be getting the 3.5...you'll love it 
I think next you should do a tranny swap though
just wondering, but did you get any runs in before it happened? and if so, how were they?
EDIT: pwned by searching....nice numbers, though...
I think next you should do a tranny swap though
just wondering, but did you get any runs in before it happened? and if so, how were they?
EDIT: pwned by searching....nice numbers, though...
02-20-2006, 03:20 PM
#12
I am not going to do a write up since there is already a faq about the swap, but i will include some pics and tips about the swap.
The reason you don't see any 5.5 gen w/ the SC is because you have to use 3.0 timming chain cover(inner and outer) and the timming gears, which means there cam and crank position sensor wouldn't work(i don't think)
The reason you don't see any 5.5 gen w/ the SC is because you have to use 3.0 timming chain cover(inner and outer) and the timming gears, which means there cam and crank position sensor wouldn't work(i don't think)
....are you gonna do a tranny swap as well???....(i.e. 6spd/HLSD??)....
02-20-2006, 07:36 PM
#16
His engine went from a improper engine tune... there are really no dangers with dynoing the motor. DynoJet puts LESS stress on the engine than you would while racing, or even runing it on the street. Its not a LOAD type of a dyno like a DynaPack.
Reason 3.0L timing chain cover and no VTC sprocket won't work on a 3.5L 5.5Gen is not the "E-gas". That has NOTHING to do with it. You have to remove your VTC sprockets and this will set the check engine light for VTCs not working properly. It will most likely put your ECU into a LIMP home mode and it will not work. Someone who knows how to program ECUs could POSSIBLY remove the VTCs from the ECU program (kinda like JWT can eliminate EGR function or EVAP functions from the ECU programs) and make it run similar to a 3.0L ECU. But I doubt TechnoSquare is able to do anything like that.
Reason 3.0L timing chain cover and no VTC sprocket won't work on a 3.5L 5.5Gen is not the "E-gas". That has NOTHING to do with it. You have to remove your VTC sprockets and this will set the check engine light for VTCs not working properly. It will most likely put your ECU into a LIMP home mode and it will not work. Someone who knows how to program ECUs could POSSIBLY remove the VTCs from the ECU program (kinda like JWT can eliminate EGR function or EVAP functions from the ECU programs) and make it run similar to a 3.0L ECU. But I doubt TechnoSquare is able to do anything like that.
02-20-2006, 08:21 PM
#17
Mass_Media™
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,812
Originally Posted by BlackBIRDVQ
His engine went from a improper engine tune... there are really no dangers with dynoing the motor. DynoJet puts LESS stress on the engine than you would while racing, or even runing it on the street. Its not a LOAD type of a dyno like a DynaPack.
Reason 3.0L timing chain cover and no VTC sprocket won't work on a 3.5L 5.5Gen is not the "E-gas". That has NOTHING to do with it. You have to remove your VTC sprockets and this will set the check engine light for VTCs not working properly. It will most likely put your ECU into a LIMP home mode and it will not work. Someone who knows how to program ECUs could POSSIBLY remove the VTCs from the ECU program (kinda like JWT can eliminate EGR function or EVAP functions from the ECU programs) and make it run similar to a 3.0L ECU. But I doubt TechnoSquare is able to do anything like that.
Reason 3.0L timing chain cover and no VTC sprocket won't work on a 3.5L 5.5Gen is not the "E-gas". That has NOTHING to do with it. You have to remove your VTC sprockets and this will set the check engine light for VTCs not working properly. It will most likely put your ECU into a LIMP home mode and it will not work. Someone who knows how to program ECUs could POSSIBLY remove the VTCs from the ECU program (kinda like JWT can eliminate EGR function or EVAP functions from the ECU programs) and make it run similar to a 3.0L ECU. But I doubt TechnoSquare is able to do anything like that.
02-20-2006, 08:34 PM
#18
Originally Posted by Mass_Media
So by that logic then couldn't we get a 3.0 ecu and have JWT do there work then run a supercharger?
no because you are still using the 3.5 sensors and wirring harness
02-20-2006, 08:49 PM
#19
3.0L ECU will not work with a 5.5 gen. 5.5 runs CAN BUS data networking, where older cars like the 4th and 5th gen do not use CAN to interface amongst other systems in the car. You can't mix diff systems, like CAN to non CAN, and non CAN to CAN.
JWT can't make a ECU to save their life for a Maxima, do you think we could trust them to make a ECU that would do ALL that for us ? They can't make ECUs for anything past 96 anyways.
I would keep everything intact- CVTC, and all the 5.5 gen stuff and make a roots type blower with a extenssion shaft infront of the valve cover- aka COMPTECH setup for the TLs.
That setup will gain you some significant power, and if thats not enough to justiffy your HP cravings- you can always turbocharge and use piggy pack engine managements to controll your A/F, timing etc.
In reality, Stillen SC is not all that great. And in order to make it work on a 3.5L it would require lots of re-engineering of the car, just so you could gain a few ponies. After spending all that $$$ on my car, wouldn't you think I would have a SC on my car by now if it was really THAT great ?
I know of a company who can make a SC for our Maximas, it will be similar to that of the 3.8L SC GM motor used in the Pontiacs and Buicks. They make one for my Q45 for bout 3500 bux and it makes ALOT of power. There would need to be enough interest in the roots blower for them to make it, and a guinea pig would be required.
JWT can't make a ECU to save their life for a Maxima, do you think we could trust them to make a ECU that would do ALL that for us ? They can't make ECUs for anything past 96 anyways.
I would keep everything intact- CVTC, and all the 5.5 gen stuff and make a roots type blower with a extenssion shaft infront of the valve cover- aka COMPTECH setup for the TLs.
That setup will gain you some significant power, and if thats not enough to justiffy your HP cravings- you can always turbocharge and use piggy pack engine managements to controll your A/F, timing etc. In reality, Stillen SC is not all that great. And in order to make it work on a 3.5L it would require lots of re-engineering of the car, just so you could gain a few ponies. After spending all that $$$ on my car, wouldn't you think I would have a SC on my car by now if it was really THAT great ?
I know of a company who can make a SC for our Maximas, it will be similar to that of the 3.8L SC GM motor used in the Pontiacs and Buicks. They make one for my Q45 for bout 3500 bux and it makes ALOT of power. There would need to be enough interest in the roots blower for them to make it, and a guinea pig would be required.
02-20-2006, 09:09 PM
#21
Originally Posted by getbigtony
rebuild the motor! use some forged parts and ur set. then crank up the boost!
Why would i forge the internals when they are already more than strong enough? I spun the rod bearing due to detonation which was caused by my timming being to advanced
02-20-2006, 09:29 PM
#22
You will not find the limits of a STOCK VQ motor using a Stillen SC when properly tunned like Chris is using. There are NO benefits from using forged internals when using just a SC. Forged internals "sound" nice when you put them in your sig lines and make all the lil ricers look at you like your some kinda god. But in reality your engine will "sound" like a coffee can full of marbles on cold winter morning start ups from em forged slugs There is more to an engine than just a buncha un-needed parts, its all bout the tuning. I can blow your built motor with a crappy tune just as eassy as I can blow a stock motor.
Years ago Hondas where strugglin to make 300HP on stock bottom ends with turbos, now that we have some REALLY good engine controll options like affordable standalone ECUs, good piggy backs and most of all AFFORDABLE Wideband 02 sensors, people have taken the engine power output to a whole new level. Back in the mid 90s, 300HP Honda or Nissan was da BOMB, now 300HP can be attained with a simple tune and small snail feeding your engine with almost perfect powerband to the boot.
There is more to an engine than just a buncha un-needed parts, its all bout the tuning. I can blow your built motor with a crappy tune just as eassy as I can blow a stock motor. Years ago Hondas where strugglin to make 300HP on stock bottom ends with turbos, now that we have some REALLY good engine controll options like affordable standalone ECUs, good piggy backs and most of all AFFORDABLE Wideband 02 sensors, people have taken the engine power output to a whole new level. Back in the mid 90s, 300HP Honda or Nissan was da BOMB, now 300HP can be attained with a simple tune and small snail feeding your engine with almost perfect powerband to the boot.
02-21-2006, 06:53 AM
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by BlackBIRDVQ
His engine went from a improper engine tune... there are really no dangers with dynoing the motor. DynoJet puts LESS stress on the engine than you would while racing, or even runing it on the street. Its not a LOAD type of a dyno like a DynaPack.
Reason 3.0L timing chain cover and no VTC sprocket won't work on a 3.5L 5.5Gen is not the "E-gas". That has NOTHING to do with it. You have to remove your VTC sprockets and this will set the check engine light for VTCs not working properly. It will most likely put your ECU into a LIMP home mode and it will not work. Someone who knows how to program ECUs could POSSIBLY remove the VTCs from the ECU program (kinda like JWT can eliminate EGR function or EVAP functions from the ECU programs) and make it run similar to a 3.0L ECU. But I doubt TechnoSquare is able to do anything like that.
Reason 3.0L timing chain cover and no VTC sprocket won't work on a 3.5L 5.5Gen is not the "E-gas". That has NOTHING to do with it. You have to remove your VTC sprockets and this will set the check engine light for VTCs not working properly. It will most likely put your ECU into a LIMP home mode and it will not work. Someone who knows how to program ECUs could POSSIBLY remove the VTCs from the ECU program (kinda like JWT can eliminate EGR function or EVAP functions from the ECU programs) and make it run similar to a 3.0L ECU. But I doubt TechnoSquare is able to do anything like that.
02-22-2006, 06:13 PM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: seattle area
Posts: 159
Originally Posted by chris'smax
Just incase some of you guys don't visit the FI forum, i spun a rod bearing in my motor last week while dynoing and now have to replace the motor. Today I am starting a 3.5L swap while keeping the supercharger. Figure i would post this in here to give some of you 5th gen guys some heads up incase you need to replace your 3.0 so you can do the 3.5 swap. Hopefully it will be done by the end of the week.
what was the miles on your max when you spun ur rod? how often did you replace the oil? did you beat on it?
04-18-2006, 09:14 AM
#27
Originally Posted by BlackBIRDVQ
3.0L ECU will not work with a 5.5 gen. 5.5 runs CAN BUS data networking, where older cars like the 4th and 5th gen do not use CAN to interface amongst other systems in the car. You can't mix diff systems, like CAN to non CAN, and non CAN to CAN.
JWT can't make a ECU to save their life for a Maxima, do you think we could trust them to make a ECU that would do ALL that for us ? They can't make ECUs for anything past 96 anyways.
I would keep everything intact- CVTC, and all the 5.5 gen stuff and make a roots type blower with a extenssion shaft infront of the valve cover- aka COMPTECH setup for the TLs. That setup will gain you some significant power, and if thats not enough to justiffy your HP cravings- you can always turbocharge and use piggy pack engine managements to controll your A/F, timing etc.
In reality, Stillen SC is not all that great. And in order to make it work on a 3.5L it would require lots of re-engineering of the car, just so you could gain a few ponies. After spending all that $$$ on my car, wouldn't you think I would have a SC on my car by now if it was really THAT great ?
I know of a company who can make a SC for our Maximas, it will be similar to that of the 3.8L SC GM motor used in the Pontiacs and Buicks. They make one for my Q45 for bout 3500 bux and it makes ALOT of power. There would need to be enough interest in the roots blower for them to make it, and a guinea pig would be required.
JWT can't make a ECU to save their life for a Maxima, do you think we could trust them to make a ECU that would do ALL that for us ? They can't make ECUs for anything past 96 anyways.
I would keep everything intact- CVTC, and all the 5.5 gen stuff and make a roots type blower with a extenssion shaft infront of the valve cover- aka COMPTECH setup for the TLs.
That setup will gain you some significant power, and if thats not enough to justiffy your HP cravings- you can always turbocharge and use piggy pack engine managements to controll your A/F, timing etc. In reality, Stillen SC is not all that great. And in order to make it work on a 3.5L it would require lots of re-engineering of the car, just so you could gain a few ponies. After spending all that $$$ on my car, wouldn't you think I would have a SC on my car by now if it was really THAT great ?
I know of a company who can make a SC for our Maximas, it will be similar to that of the 3.8L SC GM motor used in the Pontiacs and Buicks. They make one for my Q45 for bout 3500 bux and it makes ALOT of power. There would need to be enough interest in the roots blower for them to make it, and a guinea pig would be required.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jmlee44
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
8
10-02-2022 02:13 PM
TallTom
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
50
07-08-2022 09:54 AM
HerpDerp1919
3rd Generation Maxima (1989-1994)
2
09-29-2015 02:02 PM